Police issue major update on boy, 3, ‘thrown’ into crocodile enclosure

Police have issued a major update on the boy, 3, who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a UK zoo. The youngster was seriously injured after ending up inside the crocodile pen at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on Thursday and remains in hospital as he recovers.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “The boy is no longer critical and is in a stable condition in hospital.” The terrifying incident saw zoo staff pull him from the enclosure before emergency services rushed to the scene. The boy was attacked by at least one crocodile, according to the BBC, after entering the enclosure at the zoo near Huntingdon.The boy, who is from Cambridgeshire, was treated at the scene before being taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Police said the crocodiles involved have not been seized or destroyed as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.

The incident happened at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo and farm attraction near Huntingdon, at about 1.30pm on Thursday.

Witnesses described hearing screams before seeing emergency services, including an air ambulance, arrive at the scene.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

The suspect, who police believe was not known to the child, has since been released on bail until September 18.

Officers have said the man was assessed as not being fit for interview.

The BBC reported that the suspect is understood to have learning disabilities and had been visiting the attraction with carers.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the suspect was white British after misinformation was shared on social media.

Investigating officer Det Insp Verity McCann said: “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the boy, and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

The attraction reopened as normal on Friday, with the exception of the Tropical House, which remained closed “out of respect to the family”.